Islamabad, Sept 22 (ANI): Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has said that democracy and promoting inter-faith harmony are key to tackling the menace of militancy and extremism to achieve peace and progress in the country.

"A great challenge to peace and stability comes from intolerance to opposing views. Whether it is militancy, extremism or sectarianism, its roots lie in intolerance," The Daily Times quoted Zardari, as saying.

"One effective response to this challenge lies in democracy that believes in unity in diversity and in tolerance towards dissent. Another effective response lies in promoting interfaith harmony," he added.

Speaking on the occasion of World Peace Day on September 21, Zardari urged the Pakistanis to foil the intentions of the militants and their supporters to derail the peace process.

He further urged people to make full use of their democratic powers and elect representatives who would help eradicate the "dark clouds" of militancy in South Asia and establish global peace. (ANI)